Real Story: “Forever a Tutor and Substitute”

In this real story of life after teaching, we hear from KW in California and her struggle to find a fulltime teaching position. Please note this is not a photo of KW.

I received my multiple subject credential in California right when our budget cuts slammed the door shut to ever finding a position.

I’ve tried for another 3 years, with denial letter after denial letter. In 7 years of teaching, I have never been interviewed for a full-time position in the state of California. And yet teachers still tell me to hang in there!

When I apply to other jobs, they laugh at my experience as a kindergarten teacher and ask me what skills I do have.

I tried a new career. I tried nursing, but after a year and a half I couldn’t handle the blood and guts. I feel like in any other career, after 7 years, there would be a full time position for me.

I regret that I must leave teaching yet another time, maybe human resources.

KW in California

Thank you for writing, KW! I can hear such frustration in your voice, and I can relate. The job hunting process can be incredibly stressful and hopeless, especially when you’re passionate about the job and you feel like you’re trying constantly.

My best advice? Build a network within your county using LinkedIn and local, education-related social events. Ask for feedback on your resume and cover letter from friends, family members, and even writing professionals. There might be something about how you present your skills that is not being translated correctly for the jobs you’re interviewing for.

About Sarah G

Sarah Greesonbach is the founder of Life After Teaching. She believes that teachers are the most talented, versatile, and valuable employees you could hire. She taught high school English for three years before transitioning into writing, editing, and marketing. Her career advice appears on Simply Hired, AOL Jobs, and YAHOO! Small Business.

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I live in Canada and have experienced the exact same problem, however I have been on the search for a science teacher job. We have one province (Ontario) that has pumped out like a million times the teachers we need and the other provinces are not better. It’s difficult because a part of me feels like I would stay in teaching if I could find steady work. I agree with your sentiment ‘in any other career after 7 years there would have been a permanent position for me’. It’s very frustrating.

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